Construction is coming along nicely in Town Square as we make our way to Main Street, U.S.A., and the installation of the tracks that horse-drawn streetcars will travel for decades to come.

Two things caught my eye while looking at this photo. First is the clocktower, which you may recall from a previous post, is still without its clock, and in the background I see something that sure looks like the fabled base of the Town Square flagpole resting on the stairs of Main Street Station.

Disneyland park just opened for the day, and one of the best things about being among the first in the park is the quiet and stillness you will find. There’s something about that feeling of having the park (almost) to yourself, seeing sights like a still and quiet Rivers of America. What is your favorite thing about being in Disneyland park when it first opens? Tell us in the comments!

This week, we shared a special sneak peek of the work being done to bring the world of AVATAR to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The update included a new image showing what the magnificent floating mountains will look like when we welcome guests into Pandora, the mythical land based on the blockbuster film AVATAR. You’ll also be able to wander through a nighttime jungle of bioluminescent plants that are alive with light and sound and discover what it feels like to soar into the sky riding a Banshee.

As Bruce told us in his story, “The project is really pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

Bruce shared that we’re planning to share Pandora’s grandeur with guests in early 2017.

Top 5 Junior Adventurer Activities with Adventures by Disney – Anyone who’s ever traveled with children knows that it can be challenging to find ways to keep the kiddos entertained. Luckily, Adventures by Disney vacations are designed with families in mind so adults can relax, knowing their Junior Adventurers are engaged and having the time of their lives.

I obviously didn’t need an egg-scuse this year to tell you about the return of the ever-popular Disney Egg-stravaganza at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and Epcot! Here’s what you can egg-spect! From March 27 – April 5, 2015, you’ll be able to search for special hidden eggs themed to Disney characters at some of your favorite theme parks.

How it works, for eggs-ample!
Have fun eggs-ploring the parks hunting for eggs that portray Disney characters! I can tell you from personal egg-sperience, fans were egg-cited to participate, even taking it to the egg-streme. Just record your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map to represent that location. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $4.95, plus tax, at the following parks and locations.

There’s no reason to walk on eggshells – whether you choose to hunt for eggs or not, return your map to a redemption location – Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park; Disney Showcase in Disneyland park or Port of Entry in Epcot – by April 30 and participate in an ‘egg-scramble’ to pick up your surprise.

I think you’ll be egg-static about the new surprises this year! They’ll bear a striking resemblance to what you are already searching for and will be an eggs-cellent addition to your collection. I’ll take it one step further if you pardon the egg-spression, and tell you this time, you’ll want to make sure you put all of your eggs in one basket, because all new characters have been gathered to delight you, no yolk.

Purchasing limits will apply, while supplies last. Keep in mind that no discounts apply and separate admission is required to enter Disney Theme Parks. The experience of course, is subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland park is full of tiny treasures – if you blink you might just miss one. The cruise lasts 6 minutes; however, here you can take a “mini” tour highlighting some of the attraction’s delightful details.

I was blown away by the new land of Arendelle. What’s your favorite scene?

Disneyland Resort cast member Freda Hardison is responsible for the inventory planning of toys, such as the popular “Build Your Own Lightsaber,” for merchandise locations at the Disneyland Resort.

She also volunteers time with our Diversity Resource Group (DRG) PULSE to provide cultural insight about the African American community. DRGs are composed of cast members from all lines of business who provide enrichment, awareness and education to support the diversity goals and objectives of the Disneyland Resort.

In this “Every Role a Starring Role,” Freda talks about the various steps to merchandise planning and how she also helped the Disneyland Resort celebrate Black History Month.

Today we’re sharing part three of Duke’s “Journey to Main Street.” Throughout this series, we’ve seen that Duke, in addition to being a beautiful horse, is exceptionally well-suited for his new role at Disneyland park. As it turns out, Duke had previous experience pulling a tourist trolley in nearby Temecula, Calif. This experience, coupled with his outgoing personality, helped Circle D cast members choose Duke to join the Disneyland Equine Team.

And, as you’ve seen in parts one and two, our expert trainers worked with Duke over the course of a year to ensure his onstage success. I hope you’ll take a look here, as our newest equine star takes the final steps of his journey and officially joins the Main Street, U.S.A., team.

A few weeks ago, I promised a look at some new charms items from the Disney Parks Collection | PANDORA, which will launch in multiple merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts on March 12. The new charms will join the previously released jewelry collection that features hand-finished .925 sterling silver and 14K gold charms inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved characters and icons. Here’s a preview of some new items created especially for Disney Parks.

Guests should also look for a Minnie Mouse charm that is similar to the “Mickey Mania” charm released last fall. The sterling silver openwork “Minnie Mania” charm has colorful red, light yellow, black and white enamel details.

Black and red enamel Mickey and Minnie Mouse icons are also pictured on a sterling silver safety chain with enamel hearts. For those who may not be familiar with a safety chain, it’s a stylish and practical way to keep your charms secure on your PANDORA bracelet. To use, simply thread one end on the bracelet first, add your charms and then thread the other side of the safety chain on the end of the bracelet to secure.

The best places at Disney Parks to find PANDORA jewelry are at La Mascarade d’Orleans in New Orleans Square in Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort, and at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Guests will also find an additional jewelry charm designs from the spring 2015 Disney | PANDORA Jewelry Collection at select Disney Parks merchandise locations and at PANDORA stores throughout North America.
We will also offer select charms on our Disney Parks online store at http://www.DisneyStore.com/PANDORA.

UPDATE: This event has reached capacity and confirmation emails are being sent. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future opportunities!

Hear ye, lords and ladies! By royal decree, Disney Parks Blog readers are invited to attend a grand celebration of Disney’s new live-action film, “Cinderella”! Your presence is requested the evening of Wednesday, March 4, for Disney’s “Cinderella” Royal Celebration at the Disneyland Resort.

Guests at this gala event will be among the first to see the new film, in a special screening ahead of the March 13 release of “Cinderella.” Then, you are invited to join us at a grand reception, complete with music, delicious treats and special surprises! We encourage you to come in your finest royal attire, and ones young should come dressed as their favorite prince or princess – it will surely be an evening fit for royalty!

And not to worry, our East-coast friends! We will have details to share about a special “Cinderella” screening at the Walt Disney World Resort soon.

“Cinderella” is inspired by Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Kenneth Branagh, the film stars Lily James in the title role, Richard Madden as the Prince, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett as the infamous wicked stepmother, and Academy Award-nominee Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother.

Join us the evening of Wednesday, March 4 here at the Disneyland Resort! Space for the event is limited and you must sign up here. Please remember the following:

All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests of the participants may be younger than 18.

Limit one guest per registrant.

Event confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.

Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus one guest.

Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.

Event check-in begins at 3:30 p.m.

Downtown Disney parking validation will be provided.

The movie is rated PG.

I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Please arrive early. Seating is first come, first seated. No one will be admitted late. The screening may be overbooked and seating is not guaranteed. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (WDSMP), its affiliates and the theatre are not responsible for overbooking. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time. NO RECORDING. The screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any video or audio recording devices (including, without limitation, cameras and phones) into the venue and you consent to a physical search of your belongings and person for recording devices. If you attempt to enter with a recording device, you will be denied admission. If you attempt to use a recording device during this screening, you consent to your immediate removal from the venue and forfeiture of your recording device and its contents. Any attempted unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. We reserve the right to pursue any and all available remedies at law and in equity for any unauthorized recording and/or copyright infringement, including without limitation statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse. You assume all risks of personal injury arising from or incidental to attending the screening, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. Further, by attending you grant permission to WDSMP, its licensees, licensors, affiliates and agents, to record and utilize your name, voice and likeness to publicize the screening and promote the movie.

If you are planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort this March, here are a few quick tips on some of the merchandise events you don’t want to miss!

March 7: Add the limited edition hand-painted Ink & Paint cel ‘Jungle High Jinks’ featuring Skipper Goofy to your collection! Ink & Paint artists will be on hand for a special signing from 9–11a.m. at Disneyana, as part of the artist showcase. Note: The cel will be available in a variety of formats including Unframed, Framed, Framed Cel with Postcard and Framed Cel with Postcard and Pin. Learn more here. Not able to make it? Take advantage of a special purchase opportunity now through March 31, 2015. Applicable tax and shipping fees apply. Order now here!

March 7: Join us for a special artist showcase as we celebrate the release of some of the newest pieces by artists Steve Adams, Dave Avanzino, Jeremy Fulton, Daniel Killen, Paul Lopez, Bridget McCarty, Miss Mindy and Larry Nikolai. Meet the artists from 9–11 a.m. at Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park. Learn more here.

March 14: Take part in a special artist showcase as we release new pieces by artists Michelle Bickford, Ben Burch, Jeff Granito and Jeremiah Ketner from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here.

March 14–15: If you have been waiting for just the right time to order one of artist Dave Avanzino’s Custom Letter Plaques, you’re in luck! Dave will be appearing from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., each day, at Disneyana inside Disneyland park. Learn more here.

March 14–15: Join us as we welcome Ben Burch from 2-5 p.m., each day, at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here.

March 27–29: Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick will be on hand from noon to 10 p.m., each day, at World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District, as we celebrate the release of her Spring collection, among other fan favorites! Learn more here.

March 27 – April 5: We have ‘egg’-citing news. But you’ll have to wait and see. Keep watching the Disney Parks Blog.

March 28: Are you a fan of Ridley Pearson? Be among the first to pick up two of his newest releases from the Kingdom Keepers series The Return: Disney Lands and The Syndrome. Meet Ridley from 10 a.m. – noon at Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park or from 2–4 p.m. at World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here.

March 28–29: Meet ACME Archives artist Steve Barton, who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his latest pieces from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day, at Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park. Learn more here.

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